This amendment delays the proposal due date for C.20 Astrobiology Science And Technology For Exploring Planets.

ROSES-11 Appendix C.20 the Astrobiology Science and Technology for Exploring Planets (ASTEP) program, solicits proposals for investigations focused on exploring the Earth¹s extreme environments in order to develop a sound technical and scientific basis to conduct astrobiological research on other solar system bodies. The ASTEP program is a science-driven exploration program that is expected to result in new science and operational/technological capabilities to enable the next generation of planetary exploration. A unique feature that is central to the ASTEP program is the use of terrestrial field campaigns to further science and technology and NASA¹s exploration capabilities.

Programmatic schedule conflicts at NASA Headquarters have postponed the ASTEP peer review and hence the date when SMD must have Notices of Intent (NOI) proposals. A corresponding deferral of the ASTEP due dates will provide the community additional time to prepare proposals. The due date for ASTEP NOIs has been changed to Friday, July 22, 2011. The due date for ASTEP proposals has been changed to Friday, September 16, 2011. Table 2 and Table 3 of the Summary of Solicitation for this NRA have been updated to reflect this change.